BAFTA: 'Emilia Pérez's Karla snubbed from guest list amid controversy
What's the story
Karla Sofia Gascon, the first openly transgender actor nominated for a BAFTA for her role in Emilia Pérez, is reportedly skipping the upcoming BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday.
The news comes after she missed other award shows including the Critics Choice Awards, PGA Awards, and Spain's Goya Awards.
She has been courting controversy over racist social media posts that were exposed two weeks ago.
Notably, BAFTA does not list her among its attendees.
Statement and controversy
Gascon's statement and controversial social media posts
Last week, Gascon announced her exit from the awards circuit, saying she wanted her work to speak for itself.
She hoped "my silence will allow the film to be appreciated for what it is," while apologizing to those hurt by her actions.
The controversy started when journalist Sarah Hagi exposed Gascon's offensive posts, including derogatory remarks about Islam, George Floyd, 2021 Oscars winners, WWII history, and the frequent use of a homophobic slur in Spanish.
Co-stars' attendance
'Emilia Perez' co-stars to attend BAFTA Film Awards
Despite Gascon's absence, her Emilia Pérez co-stars Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldana are confirmed to attend the BAFTA Film Awards at London's Royal Festival Hall.
Both actors are also nominated for Best Supporting Actress and will present an award during the ceremony.
They, along with Jesse Eisenberg, Joe Alwyn, Isabella Rossellini, Colman Domingo, and Ralph Fiennes are presenters for the ceremony.
Other notable attendees include Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Timothee Chalamet, and Colman Domingo.
Ceremony highlights
BAFTA Film Awards: Performances and presentations
Other guest presenters include Mark Hamill, Pamela Anderson, and Lupita Nyong'o.
The BAFTA Film Awards will see performances from Take That, who will perform Greatest Days from the film Anora. Jeff Goldblum is also set to play the piano during the In Memoriam segment.
The ceremony will be hosted by David Tennant for the second consecutive year and air on Sunday at 7:00pm (GMT) (12:30am IST) on BBC One and iPlayer.